***
"Where are you going? It's still dark?" she mumbled sleepily in the early hours of the next morning.
“I need to catch up with security and double-check the border and rosters before training," he answered, placing a kiss on her cheek. “Sleep, Evaline."
A ghost of a smile creased her cheeks as she answered incoherently. They’d been up late, John kissing her into the night, coaxing her toward a future where she'd be his. He wasn't stupid; it was going to take more than a phenomenal kiss, but it wasn’t going to hurt either, and he’d had fun doing it.
Heading out, he first stopped at the pack kitchen, picking up a muffin, banana, and protein bar from the table of prepared food. Coffee in a flask was his next port of call, and then he was out and heading to the main building where pack business was run from.
There was one note on his desk from a senior member asking for one of the novices to be rostered off for a day, but no other reports to deal with. The most senior of Dark Shadow were keeping a critical eye on the people under their care, making sure everyone was coping with the increased work, both mentally and physically.
The extra weeks of training were a blessing for some, but for the most experienced taking the brunt of the work, the strain was beginning to show.
Breakfast finished, and the roster shifted to accommodate the needed time off, John set off on foot to meet with those on the outer border. They were the first line of defense for both packs if the worst should happen, and it was near a 100 percent possibility it would.
It wasn't a necessary part of his job as second to the alpha, but John wanted to be accessible to his people, and taking extra time out of his day to talk with them showed he cared.
Shift change had recently happened, and everyone he met would be at the position for six hours. Snacks and warm drinks were always delivered at intervals by novices that couldn't necessarily take a guard position but needed to feel useful, making sure everyone on the first line was at their strongest.
"John, rumors have been circling this morning. Seems you've taken a liking to an innocent puppy," Tyler said as he came into view.
Regan smacked his chest. "Leave him alone. They're cute together."
"Cute is not a word most people associate with John, babe," Tyler countered, laughing. "Have you seen his hair? Caveman comes to mind."
John absently touched his shoulder-length hair. He'd not even brushed it this morning, deciding a few fingers run through it would suffice.
"Some women like the rugged look, Ty. I'm sure he's an exciting temptation," Regan continued.
Caveman… rugged… temptation. He'd had enough of this conversation.
"I'm right here, guys," he muttered. Gone were the days when Regan was a timid thing who talked to no one. Up until now, he'd thought it was a good change. "And I don't need you gossips talking about me."
"Aw, come on, John. We need something to chat about, and the fact you've fallen for a human when you can scare female wolves is the perfect distraction." Tyler grinned.
"So pleased to be of use." He rolled his eyes. "Can we get back to business now?"
"Nothing to report. All was quiet last night too."
"Calm before the storm," Regan murmured, growing serious. "I don't like it. I sense something coming."
"Are you psychic now?" Tyler teased, kissing her cheek.
"I know what you mean, Regan. I don't like it. We're all getting restless," John agreed. He’d pushed for them to make a move and attack the Indiana pack before they inevitably came to them, but too many believed they’d have a better chance on home turf and so the decision had been put off once again.
John left Tyler and Regan shortly after receiving similar views from most of the people on patrol. Tension ran through the air. The call for war drove their wolves restless. The wave was at its peak, and pretty soon, the world they knew would crash down, covering them with blood. He’d been bracing himself for the moment for some time, yearned to deliver penace to his enemies, yet John’s world had shifted. He was prepared for war, but was he ready to race into battle, knowing he would now be leaving his mate behind? Facing death wasn’t so easy when his heart was more than his own.
Chapter 13
Eva
After waking and taking a shower, Eva dressed in jeans, knee-high boots, and the thickest sweater she owned under her summer jacket. Winter had arrived in the night, painting the forest white. Children were playing in the snow when she exited the cabin in both human and wolf form. Snowballs flew in all directions as their laughter drifted through the air. It was a heartwarming sight.
She pulled her coat tighter around herself, wondering how the children weren't freezing.
"We didn't pack for this weather, did we?" Her father called, making his way to her side, his coat too was zipped to his chin, a hat on his head she was sure wasn’t his own.
"No, we didn't. I'm missing my wardrobe."
"Going for breakfast?"
"Yeah, you?"
Her father nodded. "Can I join you?" His expression was careful, guarded, as if he thought she might say no.
Wrapping an arm around her father's waist, she pulled him close. "Since when do you need to ask me if we can eat together?"
"Since I keep messing up.” Casting his eyes down, he let out a deep pained sound. “Lately, it's like I'm losing both of you. You're growing up, and Zac... well, he has an alpha and enforcers to turn to."
"Dad, we're always going to need you. You're our father and the only parent we have left. And Zac's got Bass for
